Dougan has to rethink 2010!
By TMX Archives on 12th Nov 09
SHOCK news from the Jason Dougan camp as the 22-year-old hinted at either a complete break from the sport in 2010 or even early retirement.
Dougan's reasons are attributed to being disillusioned after talks with two major British teams amounted to nothing but empty promises over the past few weeks.
Intense talks were held over the few weeks after the end of the season, deals were tabled and the future was initially looking bright after his one-year CCM deal came to a close.
Admittedly 2009 was full of ups and downs for the Hampshire-based Scot in his debut MX1 season on board the Phoenix Tools CCM, although seventh (Maxxis) and 20th overall (World) in the domestic and Grand Prix series could have been improved upon if not for some extremely unlucky mechanical DNFs.
Dougan was a consistent top ten contender in the UK with two podiums and numerous top five finishes no mean feat in anyone's book in their first season on a larger 450cc machine.
His disposition in the paddock has always proved extremely popular with fellow competitors and spectators alike, the value of his personality and work ethic making him an extremely valuable attribute with sponsors as shown by the throng around the CCM awning during the autograph sessions during this season's home championship rounds.
This year was the sixth full season Dougan has competed in the main British series, following his 2003 debut in the MX2 class, the highlight being an overall win recorded by the youngest ever rider in a British Championship.
A spokesman from the Dougan camp said: Traditionally Jason's winter training starts in three weeks, although the immediate future will be a contemplation of what 2010 will hold for him. The ironic thing is he was so focussed for next season and was looking forward to returning from holiday and starting the build-up to next season's campaign in earnest.